Wine of the Month International Review:
The 2006 Ground Around is a mere 260 case production. It is a blend of three of the California Central Coast’s most important red grape varieties: Grenache (39%) from Alta Mesa Vineyard, Tempranillo (36%) from Laetitia Vineyard, and Syrah (25%) from Santa Barbara Highlands Vineyard. The 2006 Ground Around offers a deep garnet robe, an amplifying aroma of blackberry, cranberry and dried cherries, along with baking spices, fennel and dried herbs. In the mouth, complex fruit flavors infused with eucalyptus, dark chocolate and espresso tones dominate the flavor profile and gratify the thirsty palate. The finish is long on this unique blend with an intense interplay of fruit, spice, and tannin. Enjoy this delicious blend now and over the next several years. For optimal enjoyment of the 2006 Ground Around, we suggest at least thirty minutes of aeration before serving at cool room temperature (60°-65° F). Enjoy!

FOOD PAIRINGS

As a bright, complex wine with plenty of panache, the 2006 Core Ground Around pairs well with a variety of foods, including spicy Mediterranean and Tex-Mex dishes. For starters, consider serving this artful blend with corn or pita chips and a blackened shrimp and chorizo sausage dip. Chicken or beef nachos with Manchego and Ashe County Cheddar, pickled jalapeños, sautéed Portobello mushrooms, grilled peppers and avocado also make a tasty pairing with the 2006 Ground Around. Eggplant Rollatini, spicy sausage and bean dishes, and heady pasta sauces make wonderful accompaniments, too. Grilled pork chops served with garlic mashed potatoes, collard greens, and pearl onions will complement this wine as well, but don’t be afraid to experiment.